LUNA, Apayao – Senior citizen leaders from Apayao and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) gathered at the Capitol Conference Hall in San Isidro Sur on April 23 for a joint meeting and capability-building session aimed to reinforce sectoral leadership and to advance the welfare of the elderly.
Representing Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., Development Management Officer Philip Uba opened the activity by expressing pride in the province’s growth and development, crediting the contributions of Apayao’s elder generation.
“Datayo iti kaubingan nga probinsiya, and yet we’ve reached that level of development,” he told participants. “I am proud to tell you nga parte kayo daytoy nga development. It started with you.”
Uba also highlighted the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the province’s continuing programs for seniors, and acknowledged the generation that helped build Apayao from the ground up.
Leading the session was Jose Alangwawi, president of the Regional Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (RFSCAP) and national vice president for Luzon. He guided a review of the RFSCAP Constitution and By-Laws to align with the National Framework (NFSCAP CBL), and discussed Republic Act No. 11350 emphasizing the law’s significance in protecting senior citizens’ rights to social protection, representation, and benefits.
Alangwawi also called on senior leaders to use Executive Order No. 3, series of 2023, as a tool to expand their inclusion in local governance, policy-making, and program development.
The session was facilitated by Social Welfare Officer Leeshel Lopez of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, who also discussed the process and responsibilities involved in the appointment of OSCA heads, salary grade concerns, and the need for proactive and informed leadership at the local level.
As the meeting closed, Gretchen Garcia of the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office challenged the participants to continue shaping their organizations with purpose and energy.
“Makibaka tayo, makialam. I really appreciate this activity. We never underestimate the power of seniors to come together. Marami pa tayong magagawa para sa organisasyon at komunidad,” she said.
“Agyaman kami. Sapay la kuma ta itultuloy yo ti agkaykaysa ken agtitinnulong para iti panagdur-as ti organization,” she added, encouraging members to keep sharing their knowledge with younger generations and fellow seniors. By Loremia A. Pareja
